MOVIE REVIEW: Gru, minions have new mission in ‘Despicable Me 2’

Super villain Gru (Steve Carell) reformed his ways over the course of “Despicable Me,” when he adopted a trio of orphan girls.
“Despicable Me 2” finds Gru as a doting father for Margo (Miranda Cosgrove), Agnes (Elsie Fisher) and Edith (Dana Gaier). He’ll do anything, including dressing up like a fairy princess, to make his girls happy.
But Gru is unfulfilled professionally. What’s a former super villain to do? He and his team of yellow minions try a legitimate business, but the results leave much to be desired.
Luckily for Gru, he gets a job offer to track down non-reformed super villains. The job gives him something to focus on, as well as a partner, Lucy (Kristen Wiig).
The pair get to know each other while working on a case, and maybe familiarity will result in something other than contempt for rotund Gru and rail-thin Lucy.
“Despicable Me 2” has a distinct visual style, and it’s an inviting world. It’s also good to hear Steve Carell give voice to the vaguely European and/or Slavic Gru.
Benjamin Bratt must’ve taken notes because he delivers in his role as Eduardo, an owner of Mexican restaurant who’s passionate about everything.
There’s not point talking about “Despicable Me 2” without expanding on the minions, Gru’s little helpers who all have great flair for physical comedy. These guys make the movie in a lot of ways.
At the same time, I think I saw way too much of them before going into the theater. “Despicable Me 2” has been marketed about as much as a summer film can be marketed.
That got people into theaters, but once I was in my seat, I couldn’t help thinking I’d already seen some of the funniest bits. That’s modern-day summer movies for you.
I give “Despicable Me” a B plus.
It’s showing at Malcos in Tupelo, Oxford, Corinth and Columbus, as well as Hollywood Premier Cinemas in Starkville and Movie Reel 4 in New Albany.
Look for movie reviews in Scene on Thursdays, and listen each Tuesday morning on Wizard 106.7 between 8:30 and 8:45 a.m.

Kelli Karlson Wizard 106.7 She gives an A.
“I loved it and had a great time.”

“Roadkill” Bill Wizard 106.7 He gives an A minus. “It’s a lot of fun.”